Developer plans to increase housing on green field site by half

Housing plan: This field will take 75 new homes under proposals from Barratt Homes

The site is one of two in the village of Pilley have caused controversy since development was first proposed several years ago, both on land formerly used for farming.

One is already under construction as an estate of David Wilson Homes, which has increased in size since the original planning application was granted.

The second site, in a field bordered by Pilley Green and Lidgett Lane, is expected to be developed by Barratt Homes, which is part of the same company, and planning permission for 49 homes, described as ‘large executive homes’ by the company – though the site includes some affordable housing.

Barratt say they now want to change that to provide a mixture of two, three and four bedroomed homes totalling around 75 and state that still leaves the development below Barnsley Council’s target for the number of homes per hectare it expects from new developments.

The company has now started consultations in the area and say Barratt want to “create communities where people aspire to live” and accept they cannot be created “without engagement of the local people, listening and taking on board their views”.

But they add that whatever views are expressed, they have “to be balance with the needs and wants of the local planning authority”.

When plans were originally announced for the site, there were widespread objections raised, with Tankersley Parish Council expressing a range of concerns, along with the area’s MP, Angela Smith.

Objections raised with Barnsley Council included the risk of flooding because of increased ‘run off’ water from the site, traffic problems and the fact the village primary school would be unable to cope with the increased numbers of pupils so many new homes would generate.

Those concerns were overruled by council planners.

The early plans involved the installation of a holding tank for storm water, but there is no indication on consultation plans that would be a feature of the new proposal.

New housing estates are also expected to include 15 per cent public open space, but the plans show no open areas beyond roads and private gardens.

Barratt have cited the fact the development would support 38 building jobs for each year the site was operational as a benefit to their plans, as well as generating around £115,000 a year in council tax for Barnsley Council.